Stampeders offensive lineman Stanley Bryant pauses during a break in a training camp session at McMahon Stadium on Wednesday. Calgary will welcome the B.C. Lions to town on Friday night (7 p.m., QR77) for their first pre-season meeting.

But beyond those two (goodnaturedly) touchy subjects, the Calgary Stampeders’ offensive lineman isn’t one to brag. That’s reflected in his Twitter handle — @MyHumble_Self.

“I see myself as a humble guy — I don’t take anything for granted,” Bryant, six foot five and 282 pounds, is saying after Wednesday morning’s workout at McMahon Stadium. “I’d say I’m a nice guy. I just work hard, man. Always be humble . . . because you never know what can happen.”

Without boasting, though, Bryant could state facts.

That, in 2011, he was the Stamps’ nominee for most outstanding offensive lineman.

That, in 2012, he was even better.

“Without a doubt, without a doubt,” says Mike Gibson, offensive line coach, “Stanley had his best year last year. He demonstrated to us that he’s one of our best lineman. He played physical. He’s a guy that knows his assignments. He doesn’t make mistakes. He’s a good athlete for a man his size. He understands what we’re doing.

“In his own way, he’s a quiet leader. He just goes about his job. He takes a lot of pride in shutting his man down. He’s a good football player.”

Additionally, to Bryant’s credit, football isn’t a hobby. Nor is it a friendly pursuit.

“He takes it seriously — it’s a job, it’s his profession,” says Gibson. “That comes from experience, but also maturity. He has his priorities in order. He knows that this is his job. He takes it as a professional, just like an engineer going to his job. That’s the kind of players you want.”

When the coach’s high praise is relayed, Bryant shrugs it off.

“There’s always room to improve,” he says. “I just go out each day and work hard to do those things in practice, so when the game situation comes, I’ll be well-prepared.”

Asked for his definition of success on the offensive line, Bryant doesn’t muck around with stats. He’s straight to the point.

“What we shoot for,” says the 26-year-old, grinning, “is to get Jon Cornish the yards and don’t get the quarterback killed. As long as we do those things, everyone will have a job and everything will be fine.”

Meaning 2012 had been dandy.

“We did a great job protecting (the passers),” he says, “and also opening up holes for Cornish so he could get the (Canadian rushing) record he got. We did good.”

Speaking of which, Bryant notes that the star running back, so far, has neglected to reward the linemen for their unsung roles in his heroics. No steak dinners. No watches. Nothing. Yet.

“No, he didn’t buy me anything to my knowledge,” chuckles Bryant. “We have to talk to Jon Cornish about that. We will definitely have that conversation, to see what’s wrong with him.”

However, Bryant, during his off-season in North Carolina, barely had time to contemplate stuff such as oversights. He was that busy.

He worked. And worked out. And put on miles. New York. Florida, Texas.

“I was just sightseeing, man,” says Bryant. “It was my first opportunity in a while to just go travel. I said, ‘Why not?’ Because I knew friends in each city, I took a chance and just went. Just to get away.”

And, no, he wasn’t sneakily dropping off resumes and videotapes.

Despite being a free agent, he did not go seeking greener pastures.

“Because I felt that we had a lot of things to prove after last year — after going to the Grey Cup and losing,” says Bryant. “I knew I wanted to be here.”Stamps brass was of the same mind.

“He was a free agent and we re-signed him. That should tell you what he’s worth,” says Gibson. “He’s made a valuable contribution to us and we think he has a bright future. He’s still young and he’s getting better every day. He played OK in 2011. He got better last year. And we expect him to play at an even higher level this year because he has the ability and the understanding.”

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